April 2025

Dear Falcon Families,

It was so good to see many of you recently at the Book Fair, Spring Conferences, and the Falcon Top 10 assemblies. Thank you for being so engaged and supportive. As we look ahead April and Spring Break, we encourage you to think of ways to keep your students actively engaged in fun learning experience and limit screen time. Take advantage of the extra daylight and time with you kids to connect with them. Play board games. Read good books. Shoot hoops. Play catch. Take a hike. Ride bikes. Just creating time and space for your kids to connect with you will open up conversations and deepen your relationship.

Throughout the month of April, students are focused on building their courage muscles. They are learning that one way to thin about courage is "choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard. Courage is one of three traits we focus on throughout the year that helps our students be strong through developing their ability to focus, organize, set goals, and persevere. Courage can look different for everyone. And, we encourage each family to explore what courage means for them.

As you spend time with your children this month we encourage you to ask them to share or show what it means to have courage. Or, ask them, when you practice courage, how does it make you feel? Why? We also encourage you to engage in a PurposeFull Family Pursuit.

The first pursuit: Remember that Courage is choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary. As a family, reflect, think, and discuss things you would like to do, but find intimidating or scary. Maybe it’s a new hobby, trying a new game, sharing your art or invention with others, or going on an adventure somewhere. Give one of these things a try together this month and take a selfie to capture the memory!

The second pursuit: We have all demonstrated Courage in our lives. Stories are powerful tools for connecting as a family. Protect time this week to share stories about Courage with each other (you can use the story prompts to get started). At the end of the conversation, think of one way you can practice Courage this week. Here are a few prompts to help you share.

• A time I (or someone else) showed Courage was _____.
• An act of Courage that changed/challenged me was ___.

As you will see throughout the rest of the newsletter, from Ready for K to the CEE Survey to the Community Cultural Celebration, there are many opportunities for you to engage our community this spring.

Make it a great day to be a Falcon!

Adam Uhler, Principal & Angela Kelly, Assistant Principal

Registration for the 25-26 school year is OPEN! Please visit SBLSD Enrollment and follow the steps for enrollment. If you will need before and afterschool care, here is the information for Right at Schools.

Here are the dates & locations:

Wed., April 30th : ELC

Thurs., May 1: DEE

Mon., May 5: EHE

The 2025-2026 Waiver Application Window will open at 9 am on Monday, March 17, 2025

Waiver Window:

2025-2026 Waiver and Choice Transfer Application Timeline

• March 17, 2025-April 28, 2025: For first consideration, all waiver and Choice Transfer applications must be submitted during this timeframe. Families will be notified if applications have been approved or denied within 45 days of submitting their application and all required documents.
• August 1, 2025-September 12, 2025: Waiver applications submitted after August 1 will not be reviewed until September 12. At that time, the District will review grade level, program, and building capacity. Families will be notified if space is available at the requested school. Students should remain enrolled in their resident school until receipt of an approved waiver.
• Waivers received after September 12, 2025: Families will be notified if applications have been approved or denied within 45 days of submitting their application and all required documents. Students should remain enrolled at their resident school until receipt of an approved waiver.

For more information, please visit the SBLSD website.

In striving to provide the best possible education for all students, the District values feedback to help us continually improve. We’ll soon be conducting a Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) survey with school district staff, students (grades 4-12) and families.

The two week window for the survey is April 15-25, 2025 for staff, students and families. It is our hope that each of you will take time to complete the survey by April 25. At Victor Falls, fourth and fifth grade students will take the survey in class on April 16.

Families will receive a link to the survey via email and text on April 15. The multiple choice surveys, available in multiple languages, will ask questions focused on the topics of support, safety, trust, environment and equity.

*If parents wish to opt their child out of this survey, please contact your child’s school.

• 20 USC § 1232h (Protection of pupil rights)

• 34 CFR Part 98 (Student Rights In Research, Experimental Programs, And Testing)

• RCW 28A.605.005(2)(j) Parental Rights

Thank you for your feedback!

Our Lost & Found is overflowing! If your child is missing clothing, please ask them to look through the items. Parents are able to look through the items before or after school as well. All unclaimed items will be donated on April 4th.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate at the free Community Cultural Celebration event on April 26.

Enjoy performances by our students and community, cultural booths, storytelling, activities, international foods and student art.

This year’s theme is “Building a Cultural Mosaic.” Celebrate with us the rich tapestry of cultures in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District.

Date: Saturday, April 26

Time: 11 am - 2 pm

Location: Bonney Lake High School, 10920 199th Ave Ct E

Find more information at sumnersd.org/ccc.

Interested in learning about and sampling international foods? Join your community at the free Community Cultural Celebration event on April 26 and enjoy a food festival.

The event will be catered by Bonney Lake High School’s national award-winning Culinary Arts Program and involves Central American, East Asian, Ukrainian and Native American dishes.

Along with the food festival, enjoy performances by our students and community, cultural booths, storytelling, activities and student art.

Event information:

Date: Saturday, April 26

Time: 11 am - 2 pm

Location: Bonney Lake High School, 10920 199th Ave Ct E

Find more information at sumnersd.org/ccc.

VFE Yearbooks can be purchased through 5/1. Please send $18 to the office with your order form or you can order online at BuyTheYearbook.com (enter code 723707).

Save the date for our annual VFE Art & Music Night on May 30th!

TWINS VS. MARINERS

SATURDAY, MAY 31 - 4:15 P.M.

• $13 View Level (300-level) seats (Please send your cash or checks to the office)

• Bring out your family and friends and join

our school at T-Mobile Park to watch some

exciting Major League Baseball action.

• We have a large block of seats reserved for

the game, so order your seats now and join

us for some fun at the ballpark.

There are some fun and easy ways for you to support the VFE PTO. Download the Box Tops app or add Victor Falls PTO to your Fred Meyer digital account.

🎶 1st & 2nd Grade Concerts – Thursday, May 1st 🎶

We are excited to invite you to an evening of music as our 1st and 2nd graders showcase their hard work and creativity!

📅 Date: Thursday, May 1st
📍 Location: Bonney Lake High School Performing Arts Center (PAC)

🕔 1st Grade Concert – 5:30 PM (Doors open at 5:10 PM)
🕖 2nd Grade Concert – 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:40 PM)
🧥 Dress Code: Wear your best!

We encourage all students to attend because these performances are a valuable opportunity to showcase their musical growth, perseverance, and teamwork. Concerts help students connect their learning to an audience, build confidence, and experience the joy of musical expression.

🎶 Helping with Stage Fright 🎶
It’s natural for children to feel a little nervous before performing! Here are three ways to help them feel more confident:

1️⃣ Practice Positive Self-Talk – Encourage your child to replace “I’m nervous” with “I’m excited!” Remind them that feeling butterflies means they care, and that’s a good thing!

2️⃣ Breathe & Move – Taking deep breaths or doing small movements (like shaking out their hands) can help release nervous energy and keep them feeling relaxed.

3️⃣ Focus on the Fun – Remind them that they are sharing music with people who love and support them. It’s not about perfection—it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment!

If your child is unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you for your support—we look forward to sharing these special performances with you! 🎵✨

Additionally, some sporting events are happening at the high school on May 1st; additional parking can be found in the top lot, but it is also recommended to carpool or walk if able.

Moving from elementary to middle school is a big step for students and families. Whether your child is feeling excited, nervous, or a little of both, you're not alone—and we're here to support you every step of the way.

If your child is interested in Band, Choir, or I.P.A. (Theatre) next year, or you want to help them feel more confident about the transition, we’ve got some upcoming events and helpful info just for you!

District-Wide Band Instrument Night
Lakeridge Middle School
Tuesday, May 6
4:00–6:00 p.m.
This is a band-specific event, and it’s truly the best time to explore instruments, ask questions, and meet all three middle school band directors from across the district. Whether your child is brand new to music or already has experience, they are welcome!

New Hawk Night @ Lakeridge Middle School
Thursday, May 15
6:00–8:00 p.m.
This night is all about helping families get to know LMS—from the building and staff to the schedule and support systems. It’s a great way to ease those first-day jitters and feel more connected.

New Wolf Night @ Mountain View Middle School
Tuesday, May 20 AND Wednesday, May 21
4:00–6:00 p.m. (both days)
Explore MMS, meet the amazing staff, and get a feel for the school community. While it’s not music-specific, it’s a valuable night for all future Wolves!

Middle school is a time of growth, discovery, and new beginnings, and the arts are a powerful way for students to find their voice and build confidence. No matter your child's path, we’re here to help them thrive.

We hope you can attend one (or more!) of these events, and we can’t wait to welcome your child into our vibrant middle school community.

If your student is late (arrive after 10am on Mondays OR after 8:25 Tues-Friday) or needs to be picked up early, we kindly ask that you park and walk inside to sign your student in/out.

Free Vaccine Clinic coming up! All 5th grade students who are 11 years old are eligible to receive their TDaP booster they will need by 7th grade.

Also, if your child has a health condition that requires treatment, medication, or any kind of extra support at school, please reach out to me and I would be happy to assist.

Thank you,
Paula Hemminger, VFE School Nurse
253-891-4700

If you have a child in Kindergarten or 1st grade, please ensure they have an extra pair of clothing in their backpack.

We are encouraging all families to apply for free/reduced lunch. Please use the link below to apply. If you would prefer a paper copy, please call the office at 253-891-4700.

If you have questions regarding school lunches or student lunch accounts, please visit the child nutrition webpage on our district website or call 253-891-6450.

Good attendance is important in all grade levels, from Pre-K through 12th grade. Students who attend regularly are much more likely to be at or above grade-level standards. Poor attendance at any grade increases the likelihood of falling behind academically. Students who miss 10% or more of the school year are defined as being chronically absent. Students who are chronically absent have a greater risk of falling behind one or more grade levels. A student can be chronically absent by missing two or more days a month. New state laws regarding attendance now require schools to address both excused and unexcused absences.

Plan for good attendance by helping your child to stay healthy. Children who get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced, nutritious diet, wash their hands regularly, and are up to date on their immunizations miss less school. Work with doctors to schedule appointments outside of school hours or on non-school days. Make a back-up plan with friends and relatives to help get your child to school if an unplanned situation arises. If there are other barriers causing your child to miss school, please reach out to your school to schedule a meeting to discuss.

VFE is conducting an attendance competition. When a class has perfect daily attendance, the teacher will display one letter in the word “FALCON” outside the classroom (door/window/wall) for all to see. When you’ve spelled “FALCON¨, the class will earn Otter Pops!

Parents can sign up to view Screenagers at home for free. The Screenagers film highlights technology's effects on children's development. To sign up and learn more follow this link-

https://www.eventcombo.com/e/screenagers-growing-up-in-the-digital-age-presented-by-sumne-75147

Families are invited to get the tools and resources they need to support their children's academic journey. This event is May 8th from 5:30-7:30 at Sumner Middle School.

If your family needs support anytime throughout the year, please email our school counselor at kaitlyn_johnson@sumnersd.orgThere are resources to support families in their time of need.

Below is the Right at School Newsletter for April 2025. Please see the RAS calendar for the daily activities.

If you have questions about Right At School, please email victor_falls@rightatschool.com or look at their website.

Right at School is offering summer camps! If you are interested, please visit RASCAMPS.COM for more information.

Please check our website for updates.

Email: VFE@sumnersd.org
Website: sumnersd.org/vfe
Location: 11401 188th Ave Ct E, Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 891-4700
Twitter: @VictorFallsEle1

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